Sanding tool

Abstract

A surface treatment apparatus for abrading a workpiece surface includes a motion generating device configured to move an abrasive disc, a stabilizer, and a force control device. The stabilizer and the force control device work cooperatively to prevent a force of contact between the abrasive disc and the workpiece surface from exceeding a set level. In one embodiment, the force control device has a maximum force control level, and the set level is less than the maximum force control level. In one embodiment, the stabilizer has a fixed portion and a movable portion.

1 . A surface treatment apparatus for abrading a workpiece surface, the apparatus comprising:
 a motion generating device configured to move an abrasive disc;   a stabilizer; and a   a force control device; wherein the stabilizer and the force control device work cooperatively to prevent a force of contact between the abrasive disc and the workpiece surface from exceeding a set level.   
   
   
       2 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the force control device exerts the set level of force and the stabilizer exerts a second level of force, wherein the second level is greater than the set level. 
   
   
       3 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the force control device has a maximum force control level, and wherein the set level is less than the maximum force control level. 
   
   
       4 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the force control device comprises a spring. 
   
   
       5 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the force control device is a resilient material selected from the group consisting of foam, rubber, or neoprene. 
   
   
       6 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the stabilizer comprises a housing surrounding the abrasive disc. 
   
   
       7 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 6  wherein the stabilizer comprises:
 a fixed portion; and   a movable portion.   
   
   
       8 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the stabilizer comprises a spring. 
   
   
       9 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising an abrasive disc. 
   
   
       10 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 9  wherein at the set level, a bottom surface of the stabilizer and the abrasive disc both contact the workpiece surface. 
   
   
       11 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 9  wherein an area of the workpiece covered by a movement of the abrasive disc is nearly equal to an area within the stabilizer. 
   
   
       12 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the stabilizer is fixed relative to the motion generating device. 
   
   
       13 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a timer. 
   
   
       14 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a lubricant applicator. 
   
   
       15 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a vacuum. 
   
   
       16 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a projected light locator. 
   
   
       17 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 16  wherein the projected light locator is configured to project a circular pattern. 
   
   
       18 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the apparatus is a hand tool. 
   
   
       19 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  further comprising a power source. 
   
   
       20 . The surface treatment apparatus of  claim 1  wherein the power is a battery.